Why the similarities in these recent album covers? (Bowie, PSB, Oneida)

Looking at the cover of the new David Bowie album (The Next Day) I am struck by the similarity to the latest Pet Shop Boys' "Elysium" and Oneida's "A List of the Burning Mountains" all released within the last six months.

They all have a picture with a large opaque square in the centre rendering the picture the frame and vice versa. Sorry, I can't seem to upload pictures but they're easily found elsewhere.

Is this referencing a work of art or something? Or is it just an idea that's floating around that attached itself to these designers simultaneously?

 

Not sure but good observation!

 

Thank you for posting the pictures.

 

You are welcome brother! I guess maybe being square is the new cool!